Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support in Maryland
Specialized Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD and Overthinkers
OCD isn’t what you typically see on TV. It’s not just about being extra tidy or wanting things “just right.” In reality, it’s a relentless mental struggle filled with intrusive, unwanted thoughts that trigger intense anxiety, followed by compulsive behaviors or rituals aimed at silencing that internal chaos. For many, OCD is exhausting, isolating, and deeply misunderstood. Children, teens, and adults can all experience OCD at any point in life. But with the right therapeutic approaches—such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and even art therapy—recovery is possible for people of all ages!
My goal as an OCD therapist is to provide a nurturing, affirming space where children, adults, and parents can find support to make lasting changes. Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or parent supporting a child, together we can explore the mental maze of OCD without judgment, and work toward building a peaceful, centered inner world, free from compulsions.
What OCD Overthinkers Experience: Hidden Symptoms and Challenges
Relentless overthinking turns even the simplest decisions—what to say, do, or eat—into overwhelming mental battles.
A paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” choice or unintentionally causing harm keeps you trapped in cycles of doubt and worry.
Going back again and again to make sure everything is ‘safe’ (even when part of you knows it already is).
Replaying conversations over and over, analyzing every word to make sure you didn’t upset, offend, or disappoint someone.
Avoiding activities, hobbies, or social plans because anxiety convinces you they’re unsafe, uncomfortable, or just “way too much.”
Feeling hypervigilant with every new or unfamiliar physical sensation, constantly scanning your body for signs that something is wrong—convinced that discomfort means danger.
Losing interest in all the things you once loved as the constant mental noise drains your energy and joy.
Feeling invisible and misunderstood, labeled as “anxious” or “perfectionistic,” when OCD runs much deeper.
Repeating actions over and over until things feel “just right,” even when it makes no logical sense
Feeling like thinking a ‘bad thought’ or skipping a ritual might cause harm to someone you love
Nights feel endless as your mind races with worries and “what-ifs,” making it hard to fall asleep or stay restful: even when your body is exhausted.
How Therapy Helps: ERP, ACT & Art Therapy for OCD in Maryland
I combine a 3-step approach with evidence-based therapies tailored to support overthinkers struggling with OCD. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) helps you face things that make you anxious little by little, so they don’t control you anymore, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) teaches you how to notice your thoughts without fighting them, so they don’t take over your life, and art therapy intervention helps us go where words can’t go, and helps you express yourself in new and creative ways.
1.) ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
In Session: We create a list of things that trigger anxiety or compulsions, then practice facing these fears step-by-step while resisting the urge to do compulsive behaviors like checking, counting, or avoiding. I support and coach you through managing discomfort during this process.
Helps With: OCD symptoms like compulsions, repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
2.) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In Session: We practice mindfulness exercises to notice thoughts and feelings without judgment. We explore your values and what matters most to you, helping you take actions aligned with those values even when anxiety or difficult thoughts show up.
Helps With: Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, perfectionism, and building psychological flexibility.
3.) Art Therapy and Storytelling
In Session: We use art materials like paints, clay, and collage to express feelings and stories that can be hard to put into words. Together, we create images about your worries, stress, or hopes, then reflect on what the art reveals about your inner experience.
Helps With: Overwhelm, anxiety, feeling stuck in repetitive thoughts, difficulty expressing emotions, and building self-awareness and calm.
Treatment Tailored for Adults, Kids, and Families
At Labyrinth Art and Wellness, I love working with all ages! Since OCD can look different at every age, I understand that therapeutic approaches needs to be tailored to each individual, their developmental stage, and their family system.
OCD Support for Kids, Teens, and Parents
OCD will typically begin for children through behaviors such as reassurance seeking, rituals, or fears that they have trouble explaining. The common intense emotions may look like anger, resistance, and disconnection from others, but beneath the surface, they most likely are experiencing intense fear. I love supporting families in age-appropriate ways, often using play, art, and storytelling to help children name their fears and challenge compulsions safely. Parent education is a big part of our work together.
OCD Support for Adults
Therapy will focus on understanding your intrusive thoughts, breaking the cycle of your compulsions, and building a life not ruled by the fear that you have. Together we will learn how you can face the thoughts instead of running from them with tools like ERP, ACT, and creative approaches like art therapy. I will also provide you suggestions that you can give to your partner or roommate on how they can also support you on this journey.
Insights & Resources: My Approach to Supporting OCD
Explore my blog to learn more about how I support people with OCD through therapy, creative tools, and practical strategies for healing and growth. These resources offer hope and understanding for your journey.
Why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a Highly Effective Treatment for OCD
Brushing Off Barriers: ACT-ivating Healing with Art Therapy
How to Navigate and Recover from Contamination OCD
Get the Most Out of Your Therapy Session: Navigating Mental Blocks in Therapy with Free PDF Included
Check out my Instagram for additional creative resources and get a better sense of the artistic process and what it's like to work with me, take a look at my Instagram page @arttherapywithkristy
